Skilled Trades Staffing in Grand Rapids
Skills-tested tradespeople for West Michigan manufacturers and contractors — and better-paying trades jobs for the people who do the work.
The Trades We Place
Every tradesperson passes a hands-on test in their trade before we send them to you.
Started By A Journeyman Electrician
Corliss opened in 2004 when a Grand Rapids electrician got tired of watching staffing agencies send people who couldn't bend conduit. Twenty-two years later, every recruiter here has either worked a trade or spent years on a plant floor — and every tradesperson we place has shown us their skills with their own hands, not just on a résumé.
- ✓Hands-on skills tests in every trade
- ✓Recruiters who've worked the trades
- ✓Tools, PPE and certifications checked
What Every Corliss Tradesperson Has Done
Passed a hands-on skills test
Bend tests for welders, wiring boards for electricians, print reading for machinists.
Shown their tools and PPE
Hand tools, boots and safety gear checked before the first shift.
Had licenses and certifications verified
State licenses, apprenticeship hours, OSHA cards and welding certs.
Talked through your shop with a recruiter
They know the shift, the equipment and what you expect on day one.
From Your Call To A Tech On The Floor
Tell Us The Job
Trade, shift, equipment and certifications.
We Test & Match
Skills-tested people from our roster, matched to your equipment.
Meet Them
A short call or shop visit before the first shift, if you like.
On The Floor
Often within 72 hours — with a check-in after the first week.
Need A Crew For A Big Project?
We staff planned shutdowns, retooling projects and new production lines with crews of five to fifty skilled tradespeople.
Trades Jobs That Pay For What You Can Do
We place electricians, welders, techs and machinists with the best-run shops and contractors in West Michigan. Show us your skills once and we'll match you with work that pays for them — contract, contract-to-hire or permanent, with steady hours and real overtime.
- ✓Pay rates shared before you interview
- ✓Contract, contract-to-hire and permanent work
- ✓Apprenticeship sponsors for new tradespeople
From Apprentice To Journeyman
Start As A Helper
Paid entry-level work on real job sites while you learn the basics.
Get Sponsored
We connect you with employers who sponsor registered apprenticeships and pay for classes.
Log Your Hours
We help you track on-the-job hours toward your license.
Earn Your Card
Journeyman pay, better jobs and a career that can't be outsourced.
Apply For Trades Work
Two minutes. A recruiter who knows your trade will call you within one business day.
Employer & Tradesperson Questions
How do you test tradespeople?
Hands-on tests in each trade — bend tests for welders, wiring and troubleshooting boards for electricians and maintenance techs, and print reading and setups for machinists.
How fast can you fill a skilled trades role?
Often within 72 hours for maintenance, welding and electrical roles, and one to two weeks for specialized machining.
Can we hire a contract tradesperson permanently?
Yes. Most of our contract placements can convert after 90 days, and more than half of them do.
Do you place apprentices?
Yes. We place helpers and apprentices with employers who sponsor registered apprenticeships.
Is it free for tradespeople?
Always. Employers pay our fees.
What areas do you cover?
Grand Rapids and West Michigan, including Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville, Holland and the lakeshore.
Request Skilled Tradespeople
Tell us the trade, shift and start date. A recruiter will call you within one business day.